xpedx No Longer Ryobi Press Distributor

CINCINNATI—xpedx and Ryobi Ltd. have agreed to end their distribution relationship in the United States and Canada. Effective Oct. 1, Ferrostaal AG will be master distributor for Ryobi offset printing presses in these markets.

xpedx has distributed Ryobi offset presses in the United States since 1978, and in Canada since 2009. Ferrostaal is a worldwide brand operating in more than 40 countries. The Essen, Germany-based company has supplied the graphic arts industry for 50 years and has been a Ryobi distributor since 1996. Ferrostaal currently distributes Ryobi presses in South Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

“xpedx has enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Ryobi Ltd., and has been proud to be associated with Ryobi’s superior performance, reliability and ease of operation,” said Dan Watkoske, xpedx’s executive vice president, sales. “As we evaluate how to bring the greatest value to our customers in this evolving marketplace, we have chosen to exit the offset press market and focus on the things that will enable xpedx to support our customers’ growth.”

xpedx will continue to provide sales support until Oct. 1, and during that time, John Torrey, vice president and general manager, xpedx Technology Center, will lead the transition of the Ryobi business from xpedx to Ferrostaal. After Oct. 1, Ryobi press owners will have three service options: xpedx, Ferrostaal and independent service providers.